why was mdf invented

A brief history of MDF MDF as we know it today was first developed in the US in the 1960s, but a similar product, hardboard (compressed fibreboard), was accidentally invented by William Mason in 1925. He was trying to find a use for the huge quantities of wood chips that were being discarded by lumber mills.

Full Answer

What is the purpose of MDF?

Unlike most plywoods, MDF contains no voids, and will deliver sharp edges with no tearout. MDF is well damped acoustically, thus making it a suitable material for speaker enclosures. MDF is widely used in the manufacturing of furniture, kitchen cabinets, moldings, millwork, door parts, and laminate flooring.

What are 5 advantages of MDF?

What are the advantages of MDF?MDF is hard to both flex or crack. Although MDF is technically made out of wood, its structure is absolutely different. ... MDF is more affordable and easier to supply. Generally, MDF boards come at a lower price than natural wood. ... MDF is easier to paint and seal. ... MDF is BEST for cabinetry.

Why is MDF better for the environment?

MDF is Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Because MDF is constructed primarily from wood fiber, many wood shavings and other portions of the wood that might normally be discarded can instead be recycled into MDF production.

Is MDF still toxic?

MDF Furniture is Safe Since the harmful effects of Formaldehyde have been established, there have been strict international standards in place that limit the use of Formaldehyde in consumer products to well below the safety limits.

Why do people use MDF instead of wood?

MDF can withstand changes in humidity and heat better than solid wood. Real wood tends to expand and contract when humidity and temperatures rise and fall. As a result, cabinets, doors and panels made from real wood require more maintenance and care.

Does MDF last long?

Unlike solid wood or plywood furniture, MDF furniture is not very strong and durable but is resistant to termites. It has to be handled with care. In case it gets damaged, it is difficult to repair it.

Does IKEA use MDF?

While it's true that IKEA makes extensive use of MDF—they are the biggest users of MDF world-wide—this by no means makes them unique among cabinet manufacturers, nearly all of whom use some form of engineered sheet products in the construction of the basic cabinet boxes.

Why is MDF not sustainable?

MDF's sustainability depends on its components: wood and glues. Using wood waste further benefits the environment because trees uptake carbon and mitigate climate change. But, because of synthetic adhesives, MDF is not biodegradable and has no carbon-offset value. Also, some glues emit toxic gases.

Is MDF waterproof?

It should be noted that whichever method you use, MDF is moisture-resistant, not water-resistant, nor waterproof, and is still prone to swelling and warping if in direct contact with the elements.

Is MDF cancerous?

MDF board is a timber product made from hardwood and softwood fibres that are glued together with wax and a resin adhesive containing urea-formaldehyde. Both wood dust and formaldehyde are Group 1 carcinogens.

Is MDF the new asbestos?

David Duke-Evans, director-general of the Wood Panel Industries Federation, which represents MDF manufacturers, said: 'It has nothing in common with asbestos. While we understand the concern of the unions, (such claims) are based on ill-founded and unsubstantiated rumours.

Can you burn MDF?

Also beware of burning, chipboard or MDF. These have been made using resin which produces toxic gasses when burnt, which are harmful to the environment.

What are 3 advantages of MDF?

Advantages of MDF MDF is generally cheaper than plywood. The surface of MDF is very smooth which makes it a great surface for painting. MDF is very consistent throughout, so cut edges appear smooth and won't have voids or splinters. Because of the smooth edges, you can use a router to create decorative edges.

What are the disadvantages of using MDF board?

MDF sheets can crack or split under extreme stress. MDF absorbs water more quickly than wood. So MDF wood may swell and everyone has to become conscious of using MDF wood. MDF doesn't take nails and screws easily.

Is MDF waterproof?

It should be noted that whichever method you use, MDF is moisture-resistant, not water-resistant, nor waterproof, and is still prone to swelling and warping if in direct contact with the elements.

Does MDF break easily?

MDF can withstand high pressure and does not crack easily. It can be altered with variations in temperature and humidity levels but does not warp as wood does in high heat and humid climate. It has a very smooth finish because it is made with fine particles.

How is MDF made?

From the defibrator, the pulp enters a blowline, a distinctive part of the MDF process. This is an expanding circular pipeline, initially 40 mm in diameter, increasing to 1500 mm. Wax is injected in the first stage, which coats the fibres and is distributed evenly by the turbulent movement of the fibres. A urea-formaldehyde resin is then injected as the main bonding agent. The wax improves moisture resistance and the resin initially helps reduce clumping. The material dries quickly in the final heated expansion chamber of the blowline and expands into a fine, fluffy and lightweight fibre. This fibre may be used immediately, or stored.

Where did MDF get its name?

The name derives from the distinction in densities of fibreboard. Large-scale production of MDF began in the 1980s, in both North America and Europe.

Why is MDF used in slatwall?

MDF is often used in school projects because of its flexibility. Slatwall panels made from MDF are used in the shop fitting industry. MDF is primarily used for indoor applications due to its poor moisture resistance. It is available in raw form, or with a finely sanded surface, or with a decorative overlay.

What is MDF wood?

A sample of MDF. Medium-density fibreboard ( MDF) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming it into panels by applying high temperature and pressure. MDF is generally more dense than plywood.

What is MDF board made of?

MDF is typically made up of 82% wood fibre, 9% urea-formaldehyde resin glue, 8% water, and 1% paraffin wax. The density is typically between 500 and 1,000 kg/m 3 (31 and 62 lb/cu ft). The range of density and classification as light-, standard-, or high-density board is a misnomer and confusing. The density of the board, when evaluated in relation to the density of the fibre that goes into making the panel, is important. A thick MDF panel at a density of 700–720 kg/m 3 (44–45 lb/cu ft) may be considered as high density in the case of softwood fibre panels, whereas a panel of the same density made of hardwood fibres is not regarded as so. The evolution of the various types of MDF has been driven by differing need for specific applications.

How much density is MDF?

Although similar manufacturing processes are used in making all types of fibreboard, MDF has a typical density of 600–800 kg/m 3 or 0.022–0.029 lb/in 3, in contrast to particle board (500–800 kg/m 3) and to high-density fibreboard (600–1,450 kg/m 3 ).

What type of screws do you use to fasten MDF?

MDF may be glued, doweled, or laminated. Typical fasteners are T-nuts and pan-head machine screws. Smooth-shank nails do not hold well, and neither do fine-pitch screws, especially in the edge. Special screws are available with a coarse thread pitch, but sheet-metal screws also work well.

What is MDF resin?

That makes it easy to cut and sand. The resins used in the MDF production, such as Urea formaldehyde resin or Phenolic resin are emitted as dust in the workplace. They contain unhealthy substances like formaldehyde and other VOCs.

What is MDF board?

MDF. Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is made from wood fibers extracted from wood residues and binded together with resins and wax at high temperature and pressure. MDF was invented in the 60s in the US and in the 90s became widely adopted worldwide.

Is MDF a moisture resistant material?

For load bearing applications MDF will last shorter than plywood and wood. It is also not resistant to humidity, although you can find a moisture resistant.

Is MDF wood or plywood?

For load bearing applications MDF will last shorter than plywood and wood. It is also not resistant to humidity, although you can find a moisture resistant. MDF offgasses some formaldehyde, a carcinogenic gas, when it is new. The emissions are highest in the first year.

What is MDF wood exactly?

MDF wood is a type of engineered wood created by compressing different hardwood and softwoods using wax or resin. This type of wood is also placed under very high temperatures and pressures to combine the different wood layers together.

How is MDF wood made?

As we mentioned earlier, MDF wood is made by gluing the different wood fibers. This is why tools used to cut and fasten MDF wood can become blunt right after use.

What is the chemical in engineered wood?

Formaldehyde is added during the manufacturing of this engineered wood. This is a very harmful chemical that is released when the wood is cut. Formaldehyde can damage your lungs and affect your health.

What is the raw material for MDF?

Previously, the raw material to make MDF is wheat but now, softwoods or hardwoods are used. To create high-quality MDF, binding agents are used such as urea melamine formaldehyde. There are many types of MDF and each one uses a different method.

What are the properties of MDF?

Because of efficient manufacturing methods, MDF has impressive properties including high internal bond strength, enhanced modulus of rupture, thickness, and elasticity. Let’s get more into detail about these properties as we highlight the different advantages and disadvantages of MDF wood.

Is MDF wood hard to cut?

Some MDF woods are very dense and thus can be very hard to cut, sand, and install on projects. Anyone who wants to use MDF wood should know how to properly and safely handle and use this type of material.

Is MDF wood good for the environment?

MDF wood is made from discarded pieces of softwood and hardwood and thus, you’re recycling natural wood. This makes MDF wood good for the environment.

Where is MDF used?

MDF wainscoting can be customized in many styles and can be used in the kitchen, living room, or even bathroom. Another area where MDF is used is in shelving. Whether it is the inside of a cabinet, an open wall shelf, or a bookshelf, MDF is preferred because of its smooth surface.

What Is MDF Board?

For people who prefer a cheaper but still strong alternative to solid wood, there is MDF Wood. What is MDF wood?

What is engineered wood?

While solid wood consists of wood only, engineered wood is a mixture of real wood, veneers, fibers, resin and adhesives.

Is MDF better than solid wood?

Both types of wood are good and we cannot declare any one of them the ultimate winner. This is because they both have their pros and cons. There are situations where one is better than the other. But when it comes to cabinet doors, we highly recommend MDF Wood. It provides far more benefits than solid wood.

Can you use MDF for cabinet doors?

In homes, MDF Wood is mostly used in constructing cabinet doors. In fact, solid wood cabinets will opt for MDF doors. There are several reasons for this.

Can MDF be cut?

There are shaker-style cabinet doors, flat paneled doors, inset doors, raised doors and many more. The ease of customization of MDF boards is to thank for this variety. Because of its structure, MDF Board can be cut and drilled in many different ways without any damage.

Is MDF board better than wood?

Wood is seen as this strong and sturdy material while MDF Board is often viewed as a weak and cheap alternative. The truth is, both have their pros and cons for a kitchen remodel. Despite popular belief, wood is not always the superior choice; in some situations MDF Board might be the better material. For homeowners who are building ...

What is MDF good for?

MDF has three advantages over other wood products: it can be manufactured at almost any thickness its surface is ideal for painting, veneering or laminating and it can be cut smoothly without splintering. This means complex shapes and patterns can be made cleanly and precisely, making it ideal for architectural moulding effects.

What was the wonder product of the Nineties?

Unmatched for versatility, medium-density fibreboard has become the wonder product of the Nineties, beloved by the most trendy interior designers and furniture makers and the cost-conscious do-it-yourself buffs.

Can MDF cause health problems?

There is also growing concern that health problems can arise simply from having MDF products in the home. According to Mick Holder, of the independent advisory service London Hazards, gas emissions from new MDF furniture could cause ill health.

Is MDF asbestos?

At this month's TUC conference Roy Lockett, deputy general secretary of Bectu, said: 'MDF is the asbestos of the Nineties. It is carcinogenic. It causes lesions. It damages the eyes, the skin, the lungs and the heart. It is vile and pernicious.'

Is MDF a multi billion pound market?

The wood industry has rejected the allegations surrounding MDF, which is now the centre of a multi-billion pound market.

Is MDF dangerous?

It is the way MDF is made that gives it these qualities - and makes it potentially dangerous. Invented in the United States, it is a compound of wood dust and scrap bonded together by a resin containing formaldehyde - a recognised carcinogen.

How Was MDF Invented?

Milled fiberboard was invented in 1937 by John Borden, who combined sawdust with resin to produce a material that was much lighter than particle board but just as strong. MDF is considered to be superior to particleboard because it has more surface area for gluing, which increases the strength of the finished product while reducing the amount of resin needed.

When Was OSB Invented?

In 1960 , a company called Weyerhaeuser developed what is now known as oriented strand board (OSB). It was made from wood strands that were broken up by heat and steam before they were bonded together with resin using a special foaming machine. This new method of construction was considered a major improvement in the production of plywood because it produced a more uniform product with improved strength and appearance.

When Was Plywood First Used In Construction?

Plywood was first discovered in the early 1800s. It was first patented in 1865 by two British men by the names of Edward Drummond Libbey and William Everett. But, it wasn’t until 1907 when German inventor Wilhelm Baumann invented a special lathe designed to accommodate these plys so they would glue together properly. This machine was known as the veneer lathe.

What Did They Use Before Plywood?

Prior to the invention of plywood, people used wood in its natural form for building purposes. But when solid pieces of wood began to run out, builders had to find a way of preserving existing trees so they wouldn’t be cut down.

Overview

Physical properties

Types

Manufacturing

Comparison with natural woods

Applications

Safety concerns

Veneered MDF